Conclusion
Luban has shown a significant improvement in the treatment and prevention of experimentally induced renal stones, particularly at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day. Further studies on the effect of Luban in other animal models and humans with urolithiasis are warranted.
Methods
A rat model of urolithiasis induced by trans-4-hydroxy-L-proline (HLP) was used. Wistar Kyoto rats (27 males, 27 females) were randomly distributed into nine equal groups. Treatment groups were given Uralyt-U (standard) or Luban (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg/day), starting Day 15 from HLP induction for a duration of 14 days. The prevention groups were given Luban in similar doses, starting Day 1 of HLP induction for 28 days. Several plasma biochemical and histological parameters were recorded. Data were analysed with GraphPad Software. Comparisons were performed by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Bonferroni test.
Results
The lithogenic effects of HLP, such as an increase in urine oxalate and cystine, an increase in plasma uric acid and an increase in kidney levels of calcium and oxalate, have all been best significantly reversed by the Luban dose of 150 mg/kg/day. The histological changes of HLP on the kidney tissue including calcium oxalate crystal formation, cystic dilatation, high degree of tubular necrosis, inflammatory changes, atrophy and fibrosis have also been ameliorated by Luban dose of 150 mg/kg/day.